Supported housing helped build a better life for Amy and her son

Thursday, 01 September 2016

Amy, a young woman living with her mother, had suffered from anxiety and depression following her experiences of domestic violence and abuse. When her son was born, she struggled to bond with him naturally because of her mental health issues and was referred to Springfield House, Milton Keynes, by her connexions worker.

In September 2014, Amy aged 22, moved into Springfield House, an Orbit supported living mother and baby hostel for women aged 16 to 25. At the hostel Amy is able to bring her son up in an environment where she feels safe.

Unsure how she would have coped without the initial support living at Springfield House has given her, Amy said: “Springfield House is much safer than if I had gone straight into a home in the community. There is CCTV, staff and procedures in place to promote safety.”

Since moving to the hostel, Amy has been having weekly key work sessions, which have helped her to build confidence and utilise the advice of an employment coach. She has also been receiving counselling for her mental health issues in order to cope with her past and move forward, saying that: “Supported housing has given me a base from which to build my skills, confidence and a support network, and I now feel ready to live in my local community.”

Today is #StartsatHome Day - a national campaign celebrating supported housing which tells the stories of people who have gained independence or rebuilt their confidence through these vital services providing them with a safe and secure home. Orbit is joining hundreds of housing associations across the UK in showing support and sharing customer case studies.